Esh Civils were delighted to welcome D’Artagnan, a sixth form student from Durham Johnson school onto the SSTC3 project in Sunderland, where he has completed a week-long work experience placement as a Trainee Civil Engineer.
SSTC3 is the third phase of Sunderland City Council’s Strategic Transport Corridor. The 35 million-pound project provided D’Artagnan, who is currently considering his career options whilst studying A-Level Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, with an opportunity to be immersed in a major Civil Engineering scheme, whilst gaining first-hand experience in a Civil Engineering role.
During his time on site, D’Artagnan learned about the project and achieved a greater understanding of what goes on behind the hoardings. He gained insight into planning, design, structures and utilities as well as witnessing concrete being poured, and he also participated in the health and safety audit. In addition, the placement provided him with an insight into the community liaison side of a project of this scale, by meeting local residents and businesses.
Having previously looked at designs and plans for the scheme, he was able to see how the processes he had been exposed to within the office environment translate on site. He undertook a range of hands on activities which included the use of a CAT Scanner to check for cabling in the area.
Work experience placements not only benefit the candidate by providing hands on experience but provide a great opportunity for us to change perceptions of the construction industry. Our aim is to inspire the workforce of the future about the wide range of job opportunities available within Esh Group and the construction industry.
We wish D’Artagnan all the best with his studies and hope he has a very successful career in whichever path he pursues.
The work experience placement has made me realise that there is a lot more to a project than what is visible. My initial perceptions of the industry were from a trades perspective, that the industry is dirty and hands on with lots of physical labour. I didn’t comprehend how many other roles were available.”
